Posted on 31 December 2015

The coach has reminded fans how much the Ballon d’Or winner wants to see his international outfit enjoy success, while he is confident his team is improving

Argentina boss Tata Martino has dismissed criticism of Lionel Messi, who has previously been accused of being more committed to club side Barcelona.

Martino has worked with the 28-year-old at both club and international level and says the Ballon d’Or holder is desperate to enjoy success with the national side.

“Messi received the award for the fifth time but remember he would prefer to win something with the national side,” the coach said to Jogo Bonito.

“He has an obsession with Argentina.”

Meanwhile, the coach is confident that his side are building positively towards the Copa America in the summer, having narrowly missed out on glory in the same competition in Chile last year and the World Cup 12 months earlier.

“The ideas of our game plan are slowly being picked up, but we need to have more continuity,” he said.

Martino, who has ruled out the prospect of Messi playing in the Olympics due to his numerous commitments, will next lead his side against Chile in a World Cup qualifier later in March.

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